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  • Lesson Plan Creator: Lynne Larson
  • Grades: Grade 4
  • Subjects: Language Arts, P.E.
  • National/State Fine Arts Standards: Create, Perform/Present, Respond

In this lesson plan designed for fourth graders, students learn about parts of a sentence through movement exercises.

Introduction

Class expectations (Good listening, following directions, be creative, be active), Space boundaries, personal boundaries, goals for class today

Warm-Up

Introduce the word accumulation. Ask students the meaning? Use this word in warm-up. Introduce one movement, for example tapping feet, then add shaking hands, then add flapping elbows, then add a bobbing head. Students are doing all 4 movements at the same time. Then begin to take away one of the movements, then another, then another until they are back to the very first motion. Repeat a few times using different movements, other body parts, with locomotor movements traveling through the room, with different levels, etc. Ask students for their ideas too!

Investigate

Show students the different types of word cards. Have them give a definition of each type. For example, what is an adverb, what is its job in a sentence? Give them an opportunity to move an ad- verb. Walk slowly, walk courageously, etc. Same with some of the other cards. Then have a student randomly select one card from each pile. Take the cards and create a “sentence” with the cards. This will be a nonsense sentence, but place the cards in their correct place in the sentence. Then all together begin to move each part of the sentence. How can the body show each part from beginning to end, almost like charades. Ask students to exaggerate the movements, use their whole bodies, travel, use levels, etc.

Create

Divide students into smaller groups. Have each groups draw cards from the piles. Create their own movement sentences! Give students 3-4 minutes to work.

Reflect

Have students perform their sentences and see if the audience can figure out what the sentence is saying.



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What People are Saying

The diversity of the dancers really spoke to my students! It was great to see boys and girls dancing, and different races. The high level of engagement was so refreshing and got students excited about thecontent.
This activity was valuable because it helped students make connections between dance, rhythm, healthy lifestyles, and expression. The students were impressed by the talent of the dancers and it was motivating to them.
Opportunities for art and expression are so limited at school but so essential and valuable for all students, especially those who struggle to learn through traditional methods. My Kindergarteners have been dancing since you left!
This was so engaging. I looked around the auditorium and every student was watching. Not one person was talking or distracted
This activity is valuable to teachers and students because it gives them a creative outlet. We need movement in the classroom to engage, energize and deepen student learning.
I got great ideas on how to incorporate movement into math and science lessons.
I loved how you made movement and exercise relatable to the students. The dancers were full of energy and there was very little down time so students stayed engaged.
Our children were captivated by the performance. They listened to you and they were learning without knowing. They usually giggle when bodies are shown and talked about. But the way you presented it was so tastefully done, they now do poses and movement around the room and outside. You brokesome barriers and they took that permission and literally ran with it!